This isn’t a piece to dispute the fact that Utah is one of the most incredible places to visit in America. From the narrows at Zion National Park to the slopes surrounding Salt Lake City, the scenes of the state are stunning and vast. But everyone knows about those Utah adventures. There is so much more to the state to see. We’re talking hot springs, lava tubes, ancient ruins, and epic hiking that don’t make the ‘Top Things to Do in Utah’ lists. No, these are the most underrated and unworldly places across Utah that will have you coming back time and time again - all without the crowds. The best part? You can tie together visits to the most popular spots in Utah and the most underrated, oftentimes in one fell swoop.
THE COOLEST NATURAL SITES & HIKES TO DO & SEE IN UTAH (Without the Crowds)
House on Fire Ruin Hike
Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park
Sunrise Hike to Delicate Arch
Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon
Soak at Meadows Hot Springs
HOUSE ON FIRE RUIN HIKE
Mule Canyon, UT
The House on Fire is just one of the many ancient Puebloan ruins scattered along a 4.3-mile trail of South Fork. The house on Fire is the first site about a mile in. Maybe it was the Utah summer heat or the lack of signage on the way to the ruins but making it to the top of the House on Fire ruin is a feat; which creates all the more satisfying when crossing it off your Utah travel bucket list.
The drive to the trailhead is both bumpy and sandy, adding to the adventure but also making the road to the ruins impassable after a storm. When you pull up to where Google Maps marks it as 'you have arrived,' you'll question it. The dirt area has some resemblance to a campground if you look hard enough. You’re supposed to pay five bucks or so upon entrance to the road but we couldn’t find the money drop (so yeah, leaving the van was nerve-wracking.)
You'll hike from the alleged parking area to the right down an off-roading trail that ultimately leads to a vast open canyon. At first, the ruins won't be clear, but look to the ridgeline of the steep rocks, boom, you'll find the House on Fire Ruin, dwarfed by the expansive terrain. From here it's some tame rock climbing along the sloping canyon walls to get up to the ancient ruins - but trust me, the views make the adventure worth it.
Pro tip: For optimal viewing of the ‘House on Fire’ flame-effect head there in the mid to late morning.
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SUNSET AT DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK
Moab, UT
Imagine if the Grand Canyon and horseshoe bend had a baby. Now remove the massive crowds. That would be Dead Horse Point. How epically insane does that sound? Sunset over the cliffs and vast canyonlands at Dead Horse Point is one of the most magical moments you could experience in the country, let alone Utah. For a mere $20 vehicle fee you can feast your eyes on this delicious sight.
The park is nearly untouched, with open roam, unintrusive views from the canyon rim making the experience all the more stunning and exhilarating. For a mere, The sunsets on the other side of the canyon, lighting up all of the cracks and crevices of the rock. The waters of the Colorado River down below glow green. Every detail is surreal. Sunset at Dead Horse Point was one of the most mind-blowing travel moments of my life - and I have to imagine it was for the people getting proposed to and married alongside the rim too.
Once you arrive, drive to the end of the park. Then hop out and plan to wander the rim of the canyon to find the perfect spot to perch and watch the big show. The wind was ABSOLUTELY WILD, so plan your hats accordingly (hence the bandana.)
SUNRISE HIKE TO DELICATE ARCH
Arches National Park
Alright, let's switch things up from sunset to sunrise. Delicate Arch is one of the most popular sites & hikes in Arches National Park, and for good reason, the views of the tall, thin arch are pretty dang cool.
But with all popular attractions, come crowds. And with all national parks planted in the desert comes crazy heat. A friend advised waking up before dawn to head to the trailhead of Delicate Arch, a wake-up call that is painful, but important. The ultimate way to experience this hike really is at the crack of dawn to escape the temps and the crowds.
I arrived at the parking lot groggy and slow around six am and was still late to the early morning party. The hike itself is around 3 miles down and back and up a serious sloping rock at the front half. Getting there with a sliver of light was welcomed to help navigate the rock path. Making the trek around sunrise is sweet because it spotlights the arch while leaving the surrounding plateau in shade for a cooler breakfast break in the summer months.
This is an awesome and memorable Utah experience because you’ll get to explore Arches National Park before the rest of the world rolls into the parks. Not only that, you have plenty of photo opportunities that won’t be totally ruined by the masses.
Super sneaky can’t miss: on the way down near the parking lot, take a little loop near the old cabins and check out the petroglyphs etched into the stones.
LITTLE WILD HORSE SLOT CANYON
Hanksville, UT
Secret slot canyons that are both hidden in plain sight AND free to hike? Sold times infinity. The Little Wild Horse Canyon trail is tucked into a hillside just a few miles from the entrance to one of Utah’s most popular state parks, Goblin Valley in Hanksville.
This is the perfect easy slot for less technical hikers that will give you a taste of all the best Utah travel adventures to come. There is a loop hike that clocks in at 8 miles round trip that takes you from Little Wild Horse to Bell Canyon, or you can opt to adventure into Little Wild Horse canyon for as far as you feel comfortable before turning around.
As far as weather goes, the spring or fall months are recommended for cooler temps but for those venturing in during the summer months, make the hike in the morning to avoid the heat and other hikers when it comes to squeezing through the skinnier slots
TAKE A SOAK AT MEADOW HOT SPRINGS
Just south of Fillmore, UT
Utah is chock full of amazing hot springs if you look hard enough. Meadows Hot Spring is perched in a valley at the foot of a mountain range in central Utah. Technically sitting on private property, the springs are free and open to the public by the owners so long as you soak responsibly and leave no trace.
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You’ll follow a dirt road to a parking area and the first hot spring is about a hundred-yard walk from there. There are a few pools to pick from with visitors ranging from families to cool hippies who were camping on site (which is also allowed on the lands of Meadow Hot Springs.) The location is perfect because the pools are close enough to Salt Lake City for a day trip or situated right in between Salt Lake and Bryce Canyon for a road trip.
